松山城

Matsuyama Castle is one of Japan’s “”12 Original Castles,”” known for retaining a main keep built in the Edo period. Construction began in 1602 (Keicho 7) under the lord Kato Yoshiaki, and most of the castle was completed by 1627 (Kanei 4), when he was transferred to Aizu. After lightning-triggered fires and other damage over the years, the current main keep was rebuilt in 1854 (Ansei 1). The keep stands atop Mount Katsuyama at an elevation of 132 meters. While there are walking routes up the mountain, the recommended approach is to take the Iyotetsu city tram to the “”Okaido”” stop, walk through the Matsuyama Ropeway Shopping Street, and then use the ropeway or lift to reach Chojagahara (near the 8th station). From there, it is a short walk to the castle area. The top floor of the roughly 30-meter-high keep offers panoramic views of Matsuyama City. Inside the keep, visitors can also see armor said to have belonged to Kato Yoshiaki. The Honmaru Plaza area is also famous as a cherry blossom spot. Smartphone users can enhance their visit by installing the AR app “”Kouryaku Matsuyama Castle”” (English version available) and scanning markers throughout the site to watch videos such as scenes of archery. The address is in Ehime Prefecture, Matsuyama City, Marunouchi 1. Access is via JR Matsuyama Station to the Iyotetsu tram, or from Matsuyama-shi Station by tram, followed by a short walk to the ropeway station. The main keep generally requires about 90 minutes including travel by ropeway/lift and walking.